While returning to Washington aboard his presidential plane, a journalist asked U.S. President Donald Trump whether Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, would seek to cut the budget of the U.S. Department of Defense. However, Trump’s response was entirely unconventional, as he shifted the discussion to another highly debated topic: the U.S. gold reserves in Fort Knox.
Trump stated, “Let’s make sure the gold is there,” referring to the famous vault in Kentucky, which is said to house the U.S. gold reserves. When another journalist asked, “Where could the gold be if not there?”, Trump responded, “If the gold isn’t there, we would be very angry.”
These remarks were not only unexpected but also added more fuel to a debate that Elon Musk had already ignited. Musk, who was accompanying Trump on the flight, had previously raised concerns about this issue on his X platform (formerly Twitter). He posted several tweets questioning the authenticity of the Fort Knox gold reserves, writing, “Who verifies that the gold hasn’t been stolen from Fort Knox?” and adding, “Maybe it’s there, maybe it’s not.” Musk further engaged with followers’ suggestions about conducting a live-streamed inspection of the vault, intensifying the controversy.
Established in 1936, Fort Knox has long been considered a symbol of American financial security. It is believed to hold approximately 147 million troy ounces of gold, equivalent to $425 billion at current market prices. Despite the significance of this vast reserve, Fort Knox remains shrouded in secrecy, as neither journalists nor the public have been allowed inside for decades.
In response to the rising speculation, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant addressed the rumors, assuring that the department conducts an annual audit of the gold reserves in Fort Knox. In an interview with journalist Dan O’Donnell, Besant stated, “The gold is there and fully accounted for.” When O’Donnell referenced Musk’s calls for an inspection, Besant expressed willingness to organize a visit for any U.S. senator wishing to verify the contents of Fort Knox.
Despite these official reassurances, the mystery surrounding Fort Knox persists. With every new statement from influential figures like Elon Musk, the question remains unanswered: Is the gold in Fort Knox truly secure as claimed? Or will doubts about this enigmatic reserve continue to spark controversy from time to time?
